Speaker Johnson defended Trump’s actions, acknowledging he is “trolling the Democrats” with content intended to mock their position. Despite the lighthearted nature of using memes and social media, Johnson emphasized the serious effects of the situation on federal employees. He maintained that the party does not take pleasure in the difficult decisions being made, despite some finding the mocking content entertaining.
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A significant portion of U.S. Congress members traded stocks from 2019-2021, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest, which has prompted strong public support for a ban on such trading. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand introduced the No Stock Act, a bill that would prohibit senior government officials, including members of Congress and their families, from holding or trading stocks and certain other financial assets. This bill aims to eliminate conflicts of interest by fully restricting stock trading for high-ranking officials, building upon the existing STOCK Act, which barred insider trading.
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Following Hamas’s acceptance of elements of a U.S. plan to end the war, President Trump ordered Israel to halt bombing in Gaza to facilitate hostage release. Hamas indicated willingness to release hostages and cede power but raised concerns regarding the plan’s future aspects. Despite the welcomed developments, including support from key mediators, the situation remains precarious as Hamas’s response fell short of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s demands. The plan involves a ceasefire, hostage return, and prisoner release, but key disagreements about the future of Gaza need further negotiation.
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US Supreme Court lets Trump strip temporary status from Venezuelan migrants, and it’s hard not to feel a wave of frustration washing over everything. It feels like we’re watching a very specific playbook in action, a playbook that prioritizes political maneuvering over the wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of people. We’re talking about individuals who, quite literally, followed the rules – they came here with legal status, seeking refuge from a crisis in their home country, and now face the threat of being sent back.
It’s chilling when you consider the scope of what’s at stake. This isn’t about targeting dangerous criminals; it’s about potentially labeling an entire group of people, legally residing in the country, as somehow problematic simply because of their immigration status.… Continue reading
In a recent speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the escalating militarization of Europe, vowing swift retaliation. He dismissed Western fears of a Russian attack on NATO as “nonsense,” while simultaneously attempting to court Donald Trump with praise, suggesting Trump could have prevented the war in Ukraine. Putin’s remarks came amidst a European summit focused on bolstering support for Ukraine and deterring Russian aggression, where he maintained his maximalist goals for the conflict. Despite recent battlefield progress, he insisted Russian forces were advancing and urged Ukraine to consider negotiations, even as he criticized European actions and condemned the arrest of a Russian tanker.
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Following the Yom Kippur attack on a Manchester synagogue, British police revealed the possibility of accidentally shooting two victims, one fatally, while attempting to neutralize the assailant. The suspect, identified as Jihad Al-Shamie, was not believed to be armed with a firearm, and the shots were fired by authorized police officers, possibly leading to the injuries of the victims who were near the synagogue’s entrance. Authorities have classified the attack as terrorism, with the investigation being handled by a police complaints watchdog. The incident has prompted calls for a pro-Palestinian protest to be postponed and increased police presence, particularly near Jewish communities.
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As part of America’s 250th birthday celebrations, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has drafted a commemorative $1 coin featuring former President Donald Trump, but this design may be illegal. The coin’s design includes Trump’s face and references to events during his presidency. Federal law prohibits the image of a living former or current president from appearing on commemorative coins. The Treasury Department has stated the design is only a draft and reflects the “enduring spirit of our country,” while a Democratic congresswoman criticized the move, and the White House was unaware of the plans.
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Rite Aid, a once prominent national pharmacy chain, has officially closed all of its locations across the United States. The closure follows a rapid decline, with the company operating 2,451 locations in 2022 before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2023. Despite emerging from bankruptcy briefly, Rite Aid filed again in May 2025, leading to the liquidation of its assets and the complete closure of all stores by September. The company, founded in 1962, faced significant challenges including a heavy debt load and legal issues related to the opioid crisis.
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Actor Tyrese Gibson surrendered to authorities in Atlanta on Friday after an arrest warrant was issued for cruelty to animals. The charges stem from an incident where his four cane corso dogs allegedly attacked and killed a neighbor’s Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Court documents and a police report detail that the dogs were seen running through the neighborhood before the fatal attack. Gibson’s attorney stated that Gibson accepts full responsibility for his dogs, having rehomed two of them and their puppies.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House next week, ahead of a review of their free trade agreement. The meeting comes as Canada seeks inclusion in Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense program and deals with Trump’s repeated suggestions of Canada becoming the 51st state. The leaders will discuss shared priorities in their economic and security relationship, with the USMCA trade pact up for review in 2026, despite existing sector-specific tariffs from the United States. While Canada accounts for a significant portion of U.S. exports, particularly in critical resources, tensions remain, highlighted by anti-American sentiment and a drop in Canadian travel to the U.S.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood